DIY Flower Preservative

February 28, 2012 By Mrs. Hines

You may recall that I went browsing a few weeks ago and that I started out in a retail store before the “voices in my head” made me leave and high tail it to Goodwill.

Well, before I got out of dodge (a.k.a. Kirklands) , I did manage to make a purchase. I felt justified since it was only $7.99, and I really liked it…as in I couldn’t imagine leaving the store without it.

What is it? Well, let me show you.

I love the frog lid.

And the etched glass. I also really like the metal holder.

Now, I have no idea what era a vase like this would have come from, but I do love its vintage look.

There’s just something so rewarding about having fresh-cut flowers from your own yard.

The leaves and flowers are starting to wilt, but there are a few buds left. I did make a d.i.y. flower preservative for the water which is very cost-effective since it is made from ingredients that we all have on hand.

I don’t know if it really extended the life of the roses or not, since I winged it with the ingredients and the measurements. When the picture was taken, a full week had passed since placing the rose clippings in the vase. They didn’t start to wilt til about day 4 or 5.

Next time, I’m going to use one of these recipes:

Cut Flower Preservative Recipe #1

2 cups lemon-lime carbonated beverage (e.g., Sprite™ or 7-Up™)

1/2 teaspoon household chlorine bleach

2 cups warm water

Cut Flower Preservative Recipe #2

2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

1 tablespoon sugar

1/2 teaspoon household chlorine bleach

1 quart warm water

Cut Flower Preservative Recipe #3

2 tablespoons white vinegar

2 tablespoons sugar

1/2 teaspoon household chlorine bleach

1 quart warm water

The source of these recipes also has some great tips for keeping your cut flowers fresh. I think I would have gotten more life out of my flowers if I had changed the water regularly and followed a more precise recipe for the preservative.

Hello Sharon,
What a LOVELY vase. It’s amazing. What a deal. Thanks for sharing the cut flower preservation recipes too. I have had good success myself by adding a few drops of bleach and a tbsp of 7up into the vase, after cutting the stems. I also change out the water every 5-7 days and re-cut the stems each time. My Valentine’s Day bouquet lasted for more than 2 weeks. Have a great week.

My roses last longer because having lived in the UK and received many roses from Holland, I follow the Dutch instructions.
When I received them, I put them in a sink large enough to cover them right up to the bloom, in warm water, especially if I don’t have time to arrange them immediately.
Then, with a large kitchen knife, on a cutting board, I cut the bottom inch off, then peel two inches of the green ‘skin’ (like peeling asparagus) and slice up the stem at least an inch, (to split it open, and allow more ‘drinking surface) putting each rose back in the water as soon as possible. In the vase, I usually use the little packet of crystals that comes with them, or an aspirin, but will try your recipes.
After a day or two, rather than changing the water, though you may need to, re-cut the stems in the same way, about another inch or so.
Later, if they droop, because the necks are drying out, cut the bottoms again, then lay them in a water ‘bath’, with their blooms covered over with a paper towel or dish cloth to keep them under water, a few hours, or overnight. That doesn’t always work, but sometimes you get lucky and rejuvenate them. Otherwise, I just cut them ’til they are short enough to fit in a soda or rocks glass, a small teapot, or pitcher, trimming the bottoms again, as before.

Thanks for sharing this information. I, too, cut the stems, and slice them, but didn’t know about skinning them. I will have to try that, and the warm water bath next time. I have heard that you can make a fresh flower arrangement last for up to 2 weeks by removing dead flowers and continuing to cut the stems of the live flowers…like you said until you end up with a little bud vase. I’m really wanting to keep fresh flowers in my home this Spring and Summer, and I’m determined to make them last as long as possible.

Thank you, Sharon, for the tips re preservatives for cut flowers. I am wondering with the ones using 1quart warm water do you use all of this in a medium size vase or if not just how much should be put in and then I guess the rest can be bottled for further use.
Once my thanks and may God bless you for helping others with the tips you have.
Ann.

Hi Ann. I would make the recipe as directed and only pour what you need in the vase. You could try saving the rest. I’ve never done that, but I think it is worth trying. Thanks so much for visiting Mrs. Hines’ Class!

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Meet Mrs. Hines

I’m Mrs. Hines, a.k.a. Sharon. I’m a wife, a mother and a teacher. I’m also an extroverted introvert who is partial to red wine and loves live music. My home and the beach are in a tie for my favorite happy places. And I love to laugh.